In the old days, choosing an SUV meant putting up with big fuel bills.
Now, thanks to modern hybrid technology, there are plenty of practical models on sale with sky-high mpg figures.
Here are 10 of our favourite self-charging-hybrid and plug-in-hybrid SUV models. Every one comes with an automatic gearbox and are available to buy as used cars from Motorpoint with thousands off the original list price.
Toyota RAV4 – overall best hybrid SUV
Old Toyota RAV4s were practical and robust but struggled to shake their slightly dull image. The latest model, however, is a revelation with confident, chunky styling and an attractive cabin. None of the faultless functionality the RAV4 built its reputation on has been compromised either, so it's still a fantastic choice for families with lots of passenger and cargo space. Toyota's 2.5-litre self-charging hybrid setup is far punchier than the slightly wheezy engines you found in older RAV4s, and returns strong economy without needing to be plugged in.
Browse used Toyota RAV4 cars or read our Toyota RAV4 review
Toyota Yaris Cross – best small hybrid SUV
Toyota makes a second appearance on this list – no wonder as the brand was one of the original hybrid pioneers. The Yaris Cross shares a name with the dinky Yaris hatch but it's substantially more spacious thanks to its fairly tall SUV body. That means you can realistically use the Yaris Cross as a small family car, with space for a child seat on the second row and just enough boot space for a pushchair. It's still small on the outside, however, and the standard-fit reversing camera makes it easy to squeeze the 4.2-metre-long Yaris Cross into tight spaces. You can average around 60mpg if you drive gently.
Search used Toyota Yaris Cross cars or read our Toyota Yaris Cross review
Nissan X-Trail – best large hybrid SUV
Nissan's clever E-Power setup is what's known as a series-hybrid. This means there's a petrol engine, but it only ever acts as a generator and never powers the wheels directly. Instead you have a burly electric motor that's solely responsible for driving the car, drawing power from the battery that's recharged by the engine. The result is smooth, powerful EV-like acceleration, but the X-Trail only ever needs refuelling – no need to faff around with charging. Its sizeable, squared-off bodywork hides a surprisingly plush cabin with loads of passenger space, plus the option of seven seats if you'd like.
Shop used Nissan X-Trail cars or read our Nissan X-Trail review
Renault Austral – best full-hybrid family SUV
The Renault Austral is one of those cars that ends up greater than the sum of its parts. We could talk about the reactive 200hp full-hybrid engine, or the attractive cabin, or the Austral's compliant, grown-up ride quality – but it's how these elements combine that makes it one of the most compelling hybrid SUVs we've ever tried. It's easy to use and easy to drive, and feels like an expensive, upmarket place to sit. You'll also find all the space you'll need for a family of four, plus a large, flexible boot that's perfect for pushchairs or the family pooch.
View used Renault Austral cars or read our Renault Austral review
Ford Kuga – best plug-in hybrid family SUV
There are plenty of engine choices if you're shopping for used Ford Kuga cars, with several strong non-hybrid options. However, we reckon the plug-in Kuga is one of the most compelling choices in the range because it blends the Kuga's existing strengths – its smooth ride quality, engaging driving experience and comfortable cabin – with a useful 40-mile electric range and strong mpg figures if you make the most of the on-board battery pack. There's also a self-charging hybrid that's a better choice if you can't recharge at home.
See used Ford Kuga cars or read our Ford Kuga review
Hyundai Kona – best value full-hybrid SUV
If you're shopping used hybrid SUVs, the Hyundai Kona regularly pops up as one of the best-value options. It's no bargain-basement special, with a long equipment list and all the key mod cons such as cruise control, parking sensors and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. There's a wide range of power options under the bonnet including a full-hybrid capable of more than 55mpg, a more affordable mild-hybrid petrol and even a fully electric model. The Kona's compact footprint means it's not the largest car in the segment, so urban parking should be fairly easy.
Check out used Hyundai Kona cars or read our Hyundai Kona review
Citroen C5 X – best value plug-in-hybrid SUV
You might think we're stretching the definition of 'SUV' by putting the Citroen C5 X here. While the C5 X does have the long roof and massive boot you'd expect from an estate, it also has the tall ride height and tough plastic wheelarch cladding you'd expect from an SUV. This is a big car with lots of space and standard features, but stiff discounts on nearly new models means it undercuts almost all comparable rivals once it's a couple of years old. The C5 X is also a very easy car to get on with thanks to its smooth ride quality and sofa-like seats, and you'll find the 225hp plug-in-hybrid version delivers a compelling blend of power and efficiency.
Take a look at used Citroen C5 X cars or read our Citroen C5 X review
Cupra Formentor – best performance hybrid SUV
The Cupra Formentor is the first car designed from the ground up by SEAT's sporty spin-off brand. Leaning into the high-performance image means the Formentor gets some of the strongest engines in its class, with more than 300hp available in range-topping models. For this list, we're more interested in the 1.4-litre eHybrid version. This is a plug-in hybrid with the ability to return vast economy figures or run on electric power alone but, with 245hp on tap – 272hp on more recent models – it can still launch towards the horizon with the ferocity you'd expect from a legitimate hot hatch.
Browse used Cupra Formentor cars or read our Cupra Formentor review
Range Rover Evoque – best luxury hybrid SUV
The second-generation Range Rover Evoque may look mostly unchanged from its predecessor at a glance, but it's substantially improved in nearly every way. For starters, it finally feels like a Range Rover inside, with plush materials and elegant-yet-minimalist style that closely mirrors the look and feel of its full-sized siblings. It's also much more comfortable and grown up on the road, with supple suspension and composed handling. P300e versions pair the company's 1.5-litre petrol engine with a motor and battery for lofty mpg figures.
Shop used Range Rover Evoque cars or read our Range Rover Evoque review
Peugeot 3008 – best stylish hybrid SUV
Considering the Peugeot 3008 shares parts with more affordable Citroen and Vauxhall models, it needs something to stand out. Thankfully, it has an enormous helping of style to lift it above rivals. If the sharp-suited exterior didn't completely capture your imagination, the quirky cabin won't fail to impress, with angular styling and Peugeot's peculiar i-Cockpit comprised of a small, flickable steering wheel and high-mounted digital driver's dials. There's a choice of 145hp mild-hybrid and 195hp plug-in-hybrid engines, as well as a fully electric version.
View used Peugeot 3008 cars or read our Peugeot 3008 review
SUV space with small fuel costs
Search Motorpoint's huge selection of used hybrid SUVs – all backed with warranty cover. For more inspiration, check out our picks for the best hybrid family cars.
